Planning to visit Dollywood? Don’t forget to pack your appetite as we are about to list down the best restaurants in Dollywood in this Dollywood Vacation Guide.
When hunger strikes while you’re enjoying all the fun and excitement at Dollywood, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of great places to eat! Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there are plenty of delicious options.


Looking for the best places to eat while enjoying all that Dollywood has to offer? You’re in luck! This theme park is home to some of the best food in the Smoky Mountains.
From Southern cooking to classic American fare, there’s something for everyone at these top Dollywood restaurants.

What Food Is Dollywood Famous For?
Dollywood is not only known for its thrilling roller coasters, but it is also famous for its delicious cinnamon bread. This mouthwatering treat is served hot out of the oven and can be enjoyed with icing and/or homemade apple butter.
Every hour, Dollywood sells about 350 loaves of this delicious cinnamon bread – so it’s definitely worth trying when you visit the park!
Other popular food items at Dollywood include 25-Pound Apple Pie that you can only get at the Spotlight Bakery, Sampler Platter at Granny Ogle’s, and the Meatloaf at the Front Porch Cafe

So before you leave, make sure to grab a bite at one of Dollywood’s many restaurants!
Can You Take Food And Water Into Dollywood?
You are not allowed to bring food or drinks inside the park, with the exception of one unopened bottle of water per person.
If you’re going to eat outside or need to leave the park for any reason, be sure to get your hand stamped and hold on to your admission ticket. That way, you can come back later on in the day.
Dollywood provides complimentary cups of water at all park food outlets to help you stay hydrated, you only need to ask.
There are water fountains are located near many restrooms, or you can purchase bottled water at most food outlets.
Best Restaurants in Dollywood
Enjoy your trip to Dollywood even more by dining at one of the top restaurants in Dollywood!
This buffet restaurant is a favorite among visitors for its wide selection of homestyle cooking served family style.
Aunt Granny's is located in the Rivertown Junction area of the park and offers mouthwatering dishes including fresh fried chicken, pot roast, southern specialties like mashed potatoes, biscuits, cornbread, Salisbury steaks, and fried fish among many others.
If you're looking for some of the best barbecues in Dollywood, look no further than Hickory House BBQ. This joint serves up mouth-watering smoked meats and other barbecue favorites that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Some of the must-try items on the menu include BBQ Pork Sandwich, Smoked Turkey Leg, and Chicken Tenders.
Enjoy delicious southern classics at Granny Ogle's Ham 'n' Beans located in the Craftsmans Valley area of the park.
Obvious to its name, ham and beans are two of the main menu items. But you can also find other home-cooked meals like deviled eggs, sandwiches, and fruit cobbler.
Although the restaurant has a lot of seats, it usually gets full at dinner. However, even when it's busier than usual, the staff provides quick service.
Located near the front of the park, Front Porch Cafe is a family-style restaurant that serves southern staples featuring Dolly's favorite meals.
The menu features items like fried chicken, meatloaf, pulled pork sandwich, the best onion rings and more. They also have a Kids' Menu all served with choice of one side, fountain beverage, chocolate or 2% milk & chocolate chip cookie.
If you love burgers, then you’ll love Red’s Drive-In in Dollywood. This popular spot is known for its delicious burgers with a self-serve toppings bar so you can customize your burger just the way you like it.
The restaurant's vintage drive-in syle feel takes you back in time as you enjoy your burger and fries.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get This FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist!
Recommended Pigeon Forge Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Discount Tickets
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Are you looking for places to stay near Dollywood? Then make sure to read our guide to the Best Pigeon Forge Family Resorts that are close to all the action. Make your vacation extra fun by trying out this Pigeon Forge Prowl Scavenger Hunt idea.
To keep the kids occupied while on the road, you can download this Great Smoky Mountains National park coloring page from PhotoJeepers.
Allyson @ Southern Sunflowers
Wednesday 16th of November 2022
I would gain weight visiting those restaurants, for sure! They all sound appealing. Thanks for sharing at the Home Matters Party.